thorncroftbits ‘n pieces Spr ing|Summer 2011 Volume 25| No. 1

Volunteers!We continue to be blessed by the volunteers that come thru our doors; without them our program would not exist. In

return, we hope each volunteer finds something special for themselves at the Farm. Lynn chose to share her story which wewould like to share with you. Special thanks to Lynn and every one of you for what you bring to the Farm.

Thoughts from a volunteer...

To Thorncroft Equestrian Center:

I am writing to show my appreciation for your center. Itis wonderful that this equestrian center helps not only thedisabled but their families, volunteers, and horses as well.Horses help people in many ways, just by being aroundthem. The fact that Thorncroft takes all people, whetherthey’re disabled or not, is truly amazing.

After visiting and volunteering at the center one day, as Ifollowed an instructor, I found out that not only does the riderbenefit, but so do the helpers. Connections are built andimprovements are made. I personally got to experience a fewlessons beginning to end. It was amazing to see theimprovements in just a short amount of time. Whether it was ajittery child who became calm by the end or a shy person whowouldn’t stop talking when the lesson was over; the horses,volunteers, and instructors helped them. It is nice to know thatthey have their lesson to look forward to every week and thesupport from the volunteers and instructors. I realize that thisprogram cannot happen without volunteers. I am very gratefulthat I had this opportunity to come out for the day to see this. Ilearned a lot about the processes and different therapies. It wasalso nice to see how the other volunteers clearly made adifference to the people riding. You could tell that they havebuilt relationships week after week that really pay.

Horses are a great therapy for every human being,young or old, disabled or not. I strongly believe in this. It isnice to see such a successful program that has been aroundfor many years. Thanks again for all of the hard work anddedication everybody puts into Thorncroft.

Sincerely,Lynn Green

Share a moment with one of our riders… Nick!

I came to Thorncroft 3 years ago – I have been ridingsince I was 8 years old and now I am 18 – and have madefriends. I did join the Special Olympics group last winterand I did spent some time in summer camp that was alsogreat fun.

My time for riding is Saturday – I love my instructorwho this year taught me to canter and to trot. This isamazing my father says as he was very surprised after allthese years.

My favorite horse is Grant; and once I rode one of thebiggest horses in the barn - Cleveland! I have learned to bemore independent and can go on trail rides. I love thestables and the people.

There are 2 little kittens that are very sweet; when myniece Ariella comes along we sometimes play with them. Ilike Thorncroft and I look forward to the horseshow in thespring, I missed the one in October because I was sick.

I love my riding lessons it is a great experience for me. Ilike the surroundings of the place. Many people work in thebarn with me and the others. We learn to take care of thehorses. I also know all the volunteers because I see themwhen I go to my riding lessons. They are great. I am veryglad I can go to Thorncroft.

It is great fun to go every Saturday and I look forwardto it, afterwards I go bowling and then to eat Sushi.

Thank you very much for letting me write this for you.Nicholas Sproll

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Imagine a family, Mom, Dad and 3½ yr. old much loveddaughter traveling down a road on the way to their home thatwas being built... then a huge crash. Mom in a medically inducedcoma at Hahnemann Hospital with a less then 5% chance tolive... that same Mom went through years of physical therapy tolearn to walk and use her new “normal” body again. Herdaughter was lost in the crash, and later her marriage was over.

She watched Action News at lunchtime and saw a reportertalking about Thorncroft in Malvern. She learned the facility wasa riding school not only for the regular riders but also for thosethat are mentally and physically challenged. She called Thorncroftand made arrangements to learn to ride, waiting a year for anopening and convincing her orthopedic surgeon Dr. John B.Webber to sign the paperwork so she could ride. She rode andlearned that she could feel normal, she competed and wonseveral trophies but the biggest win came in 1994 at the DevonHorse Show. In the Dixon Oval she rode in the ChampionshipClass being judged by Olympic/Grand Prix Rider Michael R.Matz (also trainer of the famous Barbaro). When the day wasover she went home with the coveted Hope Montgomery ScottTrophy and memories of having met both Mrs. Scott and Mr.

Matz. She was seen on movie screens across the country as herlife story was highlighted in Glenn Beck’s movie The ChristmasSweater, A Return To Redemption on Dec. 3, 2009.

Today this 56 year old woman continues topush thru the obstacles in her life. She rides, tells her story and encourages those she meets to excel to the best of their ability. Thorncroft is honored to have Joanne N.Zolnierek (formerlyJoanne Buller) as theGuest Judge on Sunday,May 29th, Dixon Oval in Devon, judging theChampionship Class of the Handicapped Riders Division of theDevon Horse Show. Imagine what people can do with their liveswhen they are told they cannot do any more ... Just Imagine!!

“Just Imagine”

Thoughtsfrom the Hay Barn

Joanne Zolnierek receives The Hope MontgomeryScott Trophy from Hope Scott and Michael Matz

400 hours + Brett Dolente

300 hours +Maddie HuisSally Roth

200 hours + Claire OestrichMikaela Potrako

100 hours +Vicki CahillDiana Lorine Cheryl MeyerJennifer MottCarol Risser

50 hours +Amy Brounley Barbara DaleyCarol Ellis

Terence EvansKay FerrariPeggy Franck

Helen GarthwaiteZoe Goldberg

Julie GrayKathy GretzenbergDiane HerbertLauren Hill

Jillian Madonna Lori O’Connor

Amber PennistonAlesha Polles

The 2011 Annual Thorncroft Volunteer DinnerWhere: The Desmond Hotel in MalvernWhen: Sunday April 10 5:00-8:00pmWho: Volunteers, Families and Friends of ThorncroftWhy: Because Thorncroft Volunteers are the BEST!

Without our volunteers our program would not exist. We are thankful fortheir work… and even more grateful when they love the work they do. Thefollowing are individuals who provided exceptional service, caring andcompassion in 2010. We will honor them at our annual volunteer dinner onSunday April 10 at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern. All are welcome to join usfor this special evening! FMI contact Lauren or Amy 610.644.1963.

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The Hope Montgomery Scott Perpetual Memorial Trophy

For the Winner of theChampionship Class held at The Devon Horse Show GroundsChampion: Grace Harbison of ThorncroftEquestrian Center, Malvern, PAReserve: Sean O’Brian of Ivy Hill,Franconia, PA

The Brushwood Challenge TrophyFor Best Rider with DisabilitiesSean O’Brien of Ivy Hill, Franconia, PA

The E.W. Garbish Trophy

For Outstanding Achievement by aRider with DisabilitiesGrace Harbison of ThorncroftEquestrian Center, Malvern, PA

The Francis P. Hayes TrophyFor Champion Therapeutic HorseCharley of Thorncroft Equestrian Center, Malvern, PA

The Thorncroft Perpetual Trophy

For Winner of the Special DivisionSean O’Brien of Ivy Hill,Franconia, PA

The Stephanie Bennett Perpetual TrophyFor Winner of the Advanced DivisionGrace Harbison of Thorncroft Equestrian Center, Malvern, PA

The Anne Joyce Cochrane Trophy For Rider with the Highest Scoring Trail ClassCameron McClung of Sebastian Riding Associates, Collegeville, PA

The Sugar Plum Perpetual Trophy

For Winner of the Mentally Disabled DivisionSyd Lea of Carroll County 4H,Westminster, PA

The Francis De Ruschi Perpetual TrophyWinner of the Division for Riders with Physical DisabilitiesCourtney Collins of CATRA, Grantville, Pa

Ann Dixon Artistic Award

Artistic Expression in the Musical Freestyle 2010Lorraine Perreaultof West Chester, PA

Heritage Lead LineFor Winner of the Lead Line ClassDylan Hassinger of CATRA,Grantville, PA & Acacia Scrawder of CATRA, Grantville, PA

Results of The Handicapped Riders’ Division of the Devon Horse Show 2010

Job Opening for SpecialHorses and Ponies

While Summer Camp fills, Thorncroft continues to beon the look out for the special horse or pony to tend toequestriennes of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities! Ourcritters not only care for our riders with special needs butin their next lesson will turn around to walk, trot, canterand pop a series of small fences. Seasoned and sound horsesand ponies are welcome to apply!

All donations are tax deductible.

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What’s Happening in Spring and Summer 2011Bert Said!

ThorncroftTherapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc

Corporate OfficersSaunders Dixon, PresidentSusie Dixon, Vice PresidentSallie F. Dixon, SecretarySusan R. Murray, CPA, Treasurer

Board of DirectorsGeorge F. Rubin, Chairman

Advisors

STAFFDirector: Saunders Dixon Director of Operations: Sallie F. DixonDirector of Education: Maire GuggenheimOffice Manager: Amy K. DavisAdministration & Event Coordinator:Judy Kallmeyer

Volunteer Coordinator: Lauren JendrasiakAccounting: Diane SmithContinuing Education: Meghan Lyons

Barn Staff: Larry Wiegand, ManagerDr. S. De Cuto, Weekend Mgr.

Farm Staff:Saunders Dixon, VIRichard Johnson

Instructors:

Summer Camp:Kaitlyn ClarkClaire Oestreich

Newsletter Design: David Klucznik

190 Line RoadMalvern, PA 19355(610) 644-1963

www.thorncroft.org

Photo: Betsy Arnfield

Barbara BlydenburghRebecca H. BradbeerJeffrey P. BrownSonia H. ChurchmanSaunders DixonSallie F. DixonSusie DixonFrank W. Guthridge, Jr.Mark HanslerE. Martin Heldring

Frank Frederick Herz, IVDavid W. KirbyG. Craig Lord, Esq.Grace MengelPercival B. Moser, IIISusan R. Murray, CPADolores Z. RouseMichael RyanMichael G. Tillson, III

Pam AlbrightSallie DixonSaunders DixonCarolyn DunkelMaire GuggenheimCarole LaulisAmy LewisMeghan Lyons

Kristen MalendruccoEmily RosenRay ShellingShelley ShultisDiana StroudAmy SwansonLarry WiegandShannon Yoder

Joseph CoradinoRichard E. Fried, M.D.Frederick HeldringTerri Long, L.P.T.

Klaus NaudéBen Nolt, Jr.Mark Willcox, III

Margo BaldwinIrene Vicki Cahill Jenn CookIngrid Canterella-FoxNancy Johnson

Kelly RubinChelsea SavantNancy TerraminChris Vernay

March 9 - May 18: Special Olympics: Riders from Chester and Delaware Countiesgather and ride once a week to prepare for the Special Olympic Games at PennState. These sessions are specifically for those choosing to compete at Penn StateGames. Additional volunteers are needed... call the Farm!

April 2: 26th Annual Victory Gallop Dinner, Dance & Silent Auction - Co-ChairsMichael & Andee Shapiro are joined by our Silent Auction Committee to host amost spectacular Dinner Dance and Silent Auction. For information on how youcan join us as a guest, sponsor or donor of silent auction items please call Thorncroft.

April 4; May 26: Timothy School - Students from Timothy School of Berwyncome to attend their annual Spring riding program. Volunteers welcome to helpthis amazing group of young riders excel!

April 10: Annual Dinner - The Desmond Hotel in Malvern is the site for ourAnnual Dinner again this year. Join us as we celebrate our volunteers, friends andstaff with year end awards and the Desmond’s fantastic dinner.

April 30: Combined Test and Dressage Show: (Dressage Test and Dressage &Stadium Combined) - Combined Test offers Intro. thru Third Level CT. Dressageonly is Elementary thru Preliminary. A level for all competitors. Each CT Divisionwill be divided by Jr. and Sr. age groups. Improve your show skills in dressage andstadium jumping. This is an open show... outside entries are welcome in the comfort of ourindoor with great new footing!

April 30: Thorncroft Mainstreamers - The season kicks off with a performance ofthe season at the Farm during the noon break of the Combined Test.

May 22: Lobster Bake at Thorncroft: “Want Lobstah?” Join over 150 friends andneighbors for this spectacular evening of fun rain or shine! It’s a full blown lobsterfeast (or chicken!) with corn on the cob, steamers, beverages and a live band.Come eat, drink and dance with the whole family at this annual event.Reservations a must and the tickets go quickly!

May 28: 27th Annual Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show -over 175 competitors historically join us for this spectacular competition. TheShow offers classes on the flat, over fences, dressage and trail. The Show issponsored by Brushwood Stable of Malvern and is hosted at Thorncroft EquestrianCenter. The Thorncroft Mainstreamers will perform at noon.

May 29: Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show - 1:00 pmChampionship classes from Saturday’s competition are held at the Devon HorseShow Grounds. The Thorncroft Mainstreamers performance will take place in theDixon Oval at 1:30.

June 9 - 12: NARHA On Site Registered Level Workshop & CertificationProgram with Octavia Brown and Martha Dubensky - Lecture and practicum forinstructors seeking to earn their Registered Level certification from the NorthAmerican Riding for the Handicapped Association.

June 21 - 25: Advanced Camp is for riders who want to improve on theirabilities; walk, trot, canter and over fences or their favorite dressage test.Call ahead to reserve your spot!

June 27 – August 12: Summer Camp - This camp is for riders of all abilities whowant to learn or improve their work on the ground and on their horses; walk, trotcanter and x rails. The day is complemented with Arts & Crafts and a daily swim inthe Farm pool. These weeks fill fast so don’t hesitate with your reservations!

Dates and clinicians to be announced:Watch our web site for the dates of aCentered Riding Open Clinic and the Certified Horsemanship AssociationCertification program. Do you have a clinician you would like to work with... andnowhere to host? Contact Thorncroft... clinics of all disciplines welcome.

Thorncroft is a non profit 501c3 Corporation, Federal EIN Number 23-2218431. All donations are tax exempt to the fullest extent of the law.

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Where will YOU be? If you want to be a part of the BESTparty in town, dance to the ultimate beat of Chico’s Vibe, dine onfabulous food prepared JUST for you and bid on some of the mostawesome prizes ever... you will be at the 26th Annual ThorncroftVictory Gallop at the Hyatt at the Bellevue.

Thorncroft’s budget for 2011 has exceeded the $1,000,000mark. Of that amount, we must fund-raise the astounding figure of$450,000 to keep the Farm viable. This makes the Victory Gallopone of the most important events of the year for the Farm. Thisevent alone must result in a net profit of $150,000 to the Farm.

Many have already committed to the challenge and we wouldlike to take this opportunity to thank them. We honor Michael andAndee Shapiro of Malvern, our co-chairs of this year’s dinner, fortheir tireless efforts in planning this event.

Victory Gallop Preview Party

26th Annual Thorncroft Victory Gallop - April 2, 2011

Presenting SponsorsBrushwood StableHilltop Farm, Inc.Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust

Platinum RiderBlank Rome LLPP.C. ConstructionDrinker Biddle & Reath LLPIMC ConstructionP.C. Construction and ManagementThe Robbins & Sablosky FamiliesGeorge & Lorraine RubinRon & Marcia RubinJay Tolson & Hadia LefavreTurningPoint Foundation

Gold RiderKlehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg

Silver RiderAlliedBarton Security ServicesBellevue AssociatesCharles Pike ConstructionSonia & Morgan ChurchmanECBMGae & Lars EisenhardtThe Haverford Trust CompanyIndependence Blue CrossKPMG LLPOrndorf & Associates, Inc.Chip & Nancy RoachThe Sporting Club at the BellevueState Line Services, Inc.

Bronze RiderArctic Air, Inc.C. B. Development Services, Inc.Jerry & Barbara ChaitDan & Kristen RubinChestnut Technical Services, Inc.Comcast SpectacorCREATE Architecture Planning & DesignDoubledee KennelsThe H & K GroupFrederick & Colette HeldringOliver Sprinkler Co. Inc.PECOTim & Cindy RoachShoreline Electric, Inc.West Pharmaceutical Services

(List as of March 9)

The Victory Gallop Preview Party was celebratedat Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern on March 6.Harry and Mary Beth Hurley of Malvern hosted the party. Localphotographer Antelo Devereux was our guest celebrity present tosign copies of his latest book, “Chester County Out and About” -a special shot of the Thorncroft Mainstreamers at Devon was ofcourse a hit for everyone!

George Rubin, Chairman of Thorncroft’s Board of Directors,was joined by Pam Brown, Director of Conservation for Frenchand Pickering Creeks Conservation, and Saunders and SallieDixon, Directors of Thorncroft, to present a gift to Senator AndyDinniman and Senator Dominic F. Pileggi who, with StateRepresentative Dwain Milne and Governor Ed Rendell, helped tosecure funding towards the Open Space project under way atThorncroft.

“Thanks to our friends we will not only secure a 70-acreeasement on Thorncroft property but the land will also belong toThorncroft for generations to come,” said Thorncroft BoardChairman George Rubin. “With the addition of Thorncroft’s 70acres we will have created a 300-acre corridor of open space.”

The culmination of the Victory Gallop celebration will be the26th annual dinner to be held April 2 at the Hyatt at theBellevue. “Without this event we would be unable to provide the

therapeutic services to our riders who need it the most,” saidSallie Dixon, “We give over $75,000 annually in scholarships toriders who would otherwise be unable to afford this uniquetherapy.” FMI: www.thorncroft.org or 610.644.1963.

Saunders and Sallie Dixon of Thorncroft present gifts of appreciation to Senator Andy Dinniman and Senator Dominic Pileggi

Phot

o: Jo

an B

ang

Special thanks to the following Sponsors who have committed to help us reach our goal.

Becky Bradbeer andLauren Jendrasiak

Judy Kallmeyerand Andee Shapiro

Tim and Cindy Roach

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Thorncroft 190 Line RoadMalvern, PA 19355

Non-Profit Org

U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1858

Wilmington, DE

thorncroftbits ‘n pieces

Spring|Summer 2011 Volume 25/No. 1 www.thorncroft.org Print on recycled paper C

A LOBSTER STORY Last year marked the premier of what is surely to be

a

permanent date on everyone’s spring calendar: The Annual

Thorncroft Lobster Bake. This festive Sunday afternoon

includes an authentic lobster feast with whole lobster

s (and

chicken too!), corn on the cob, veggies and dessert, s

erved

with beer and wine to complement the fare.

The theme is the beach, as in our indoor arena where

the footing is reminiscent of sand at the beach. This year’s

event will take place on Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 at the Farm.

Tickets are available for $65.00 and RSVP’s are a must! FMI

or to purchase tickets visit our website www.thorncro

ft.org

and click on events.

Summer CampSummer camp is just around the corner and the applications are in the mail. If you have a young equestrian

to be, or one that wants to “hone” up their skills on the flat or over fences give us a

call or check the web site. The hottest camp in town our riders spend time in the

barn, take a swim in the Farm pool and go home every week with new friends,

memories and the results of the week of arts and crafts. Camp fills FAST.. so sign up

today!

L404788_NL-R_Spring2011 3/18/11 10:09 AM Page 2

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